Two weeks and counting

We arrived in a city in the throes of that old thorn in everyone’s side – loadshedding! That should have prepared us for the days and weeks to come, but we rather naively thought we’d more easily navigate the challenges of beginning again in the land of our birth. Of course, just like the magnificent Joburg thunderstorms that raged in our first days, our initial interactions were a bit stormier.

What does it take to build a life in a new country? In South Africa it starts with a great deal of standing in queues and sitting in banking halls. And hours on the phone.

We still haven’t had much luck with Home Affairs, so identity documents are not yet forthcoming, but we have managed to open bank accounts, get insurance, and get local mobile numbers. We’ve also learned lessons in patience, humility and gratitude – patience with systems that are painfully beaurocratic, humbled by people who try hard with little support, and gratitude for getting even the smallest win. Oh, and I didn’t physically attack even one person!

We bought two vehicles (one of which is still to be delivered).

And – with great excitement – we got the keys to our new home, an experience we shared with our dear friend Derrich. Incidentally, we’re also staying in Derrich’s apartment while our house is being renovated and our containers are on the water.

Initially we thought we might have to wait until as late as end May to gain access to our house, since it was tenanted until then. (For those who don’t know, in South Africa, tenancy trumps purchase or, “huur gaat voor koop”.) From end May we got a commitment to vacate on 15 March, so we were thrilled when our tenant actually vacated on 28 February, allowing us to start renovations much sooner.

When we made the decision to move to South Africa, we were adamant that the home we live in should be distinctly African, and we believe our Kosmos home meets that requirement. This house can be nowhere else!

We’re looking forward to entertaining loads of friends and family in this home in the weeks, months and years to come. And hopefully our loved ones from Australia will visit. The guest suite is waiting ..!